# Root effect

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. A physiological phenomenon in fish hemoglobin, whereby an increased proton or carbon dioxide concentration (lower pH) lowers hemoglobin's affinity and carrying capacity for oxygen.

## Etymology
Named after its discoverer, R. W. Root.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/root-effect